GALEN COLLEGE NUR 170 EXAM 3
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Diabetes Mellitus Management – Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes,
Pathophysiology, and Treatment
• Insulin Therapy – Types, Administration, Onset/Peak/Duration, and
Titration
• Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia – Recognition, Treatment, and
Prevention
• Cardiovascular Disorders – Hypertension, Heart Failure, Coronary
Artery Disease, and Peripheral Vascular Disease
• ECG Interpretation and Dysrhythmias – Normal Sinus Rhythm,
Arrhythmias, and Interventions
• Anticoagulation Therapy – Heparin, Warfarin, and Nursing Implications
• Musculoskeletal Disorders – Fractures, Compartment Syndrome,
Osteoporosis, and Gout
• Fluid and Electrolyte Balance – Imbalances, Replacement Therapies, and
Monitoring
• Endocrine Disorders – Thyroid Disorders, Adrenal Insufficiency, and
Diabetes Insipidus
, • Renal and Urinary Systems – Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, and
Acute Kidney Injury
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination is designed to assess nursing
students' knowledge of medical-surgical nursing concepts as tested in Galen
College NUR 170 Exam 3. The exam covers diabetes mellitus management,
insulin therapy, hypo/hyperglycemia recognition and treatment,
cardiovascular disorders, ECG interpretation and dysrhythmias,
anticoagulation therapy, musculoskeletal disorders, fluid and electrolyte
balance, endocrine disorders, and renal and urinary system disorders.
Candidates will demonstrate their understanding of pathophysiology,
pharmacology, nursing interventions, and clinical judgment through
application-based questions. The multiple-choice format includes foundational
knowledge questions, applied clinical scenarios, and critical thinking items
that emphasize real-world decision-making in patient care. Each question is
followed by a detailed rationale to reinforce understanding of the underlying
concepts and promote evidence-based nursing practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient with chronic kidney disease has a hemoglobin of 7.8 g/dL. The
nurse anticipates administering which medication?
A. Ferrous sulfate
B. Erythropoietin stimulating agent
C. Vitamin B12 injection
D. Folic acid
B
, RATIONALE: In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys produce less
erythropoietin, leading to anemia. Erythropoietin stimulating agents (e.g.,
epoetin alfa) replace this hormone and stimulate red blood cell
production. Iron supplements may be given if iron stores are low, but ESA is
the primary treatment for CKD anemia. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are not the
cause of anemia in CKD.
Question 2
During hemodialysis, a patient develops a headache, nausea, and
hypotension. The nurse suspects:
A. Air embolism
B. Disequilibrium syndrome
C. Hemolysis
D. Anaphylaxis
B
RATIONALE: Disequilibrium syndrome results from rapid fluid and
solute shifts during dialysis, causing cerebral edema. Symptoms include
headache, nausea, vomiting, and hypotension. It occurs more often during
initial dialysis treatments. Air embolism and hemolysis present differently;
anaphylaxis includes bronchospasm and urticaria.
Question 3
What is the primary function of insulin in the body?
A. To increase blood glucose levels
B. To facilitate glucose uptake into cells
C. To stimulate glycogen breakdown
D. To promote gluconeogenesis
B
, RATIONALE: Insulin facilitates glucose uptake into cells by binding to
insulin receptors on cell membranes, allowing glucose to enter and be used
for energy.
Question 4
A patient with type 1 diabetes reports shakiness, diaphoresis, and confusion.
The nurse should first:
A. Administer 50% dextrose IV push
B. Check blood glucose level
C. Give glucagon 1 mg IM
D. Offer orange juice
B
RATIONALE: The first action is to check the blood glucose level to
confirm hypoglycemia. Symptoms include shakiness, diaphoresis, and
confusion. After confirmation, treatment can be initiated based on the
patient's level of consciousness.
Question 5
What is the preferred site for insulin administration?
A. Abdomen
B. Thigh
C. Upper arm
D. Buttocks
A
RATIONALE: The abdomen is the preferred site for insulin administration
because it has the most consistent absorption rate.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Diabetes Mellitus Management – Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes,
Pathophysiology, and Treatment
• Insulin Therapy – Types, Administration, Onset/Peak/Duration, and
Titration
• Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia – Recognition, Treatment, and
Prevention
• Cardiovascular Disorders – Hypertension, Heart Failure, Coronary
Artery Disease, and Peripheral Vascular Disease
• ECG Interpretation and Dysrhythmias – Normal Sinus Rhythm,
Arrhythmias, and Interventions
• Anticoagulation Therapy – Heparin, Warfarin, and Nursing Implications
• Musculoskeletal Disorders – Fractures, Compartment Syndrome,
Osteoporosis, and Gout
• Fluid and Electrolyte Balance – Imbalances, Replacement Therapies, and
Monitoring
• Endocrine Disorders – Thyroid Disorders, Adrenal Insufficiency, and
Diabetes Insipidus
, • Renal and Urinary Systems – Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, and
Acute Kidney Injury
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination is designed to assess nursing
students' knowledge of medical-surgical nursing concepts as tested in Galen
College NUR 170 Exam 3. The exam covers diabetes mellitus management,
insulin therapy, hypo/hyperglycemia recognition and treatment,
cardiovascular disorders, ECG interpretation and dysrhythmias,
anticoagulation therapy, musculoskeletal disorders, fluid and electrolyte
balance, endocrine disorders, and renal and urinary system disorders.
Candidates will demonstrate their understanding of pathophysiology,
pharmacology, nursing interventions, and clinical judgment through
application-based questions. The multiple-choice format includes foundational
knowledge questions, applied clinical scenarios, and critical thinking items
that emphasize real-world decision-making in patient care. Each question is
followed by a detailed rationale to reinforce understanding of the underlying
concepts and promote evidence-based nursing practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient with chronic kidney disease has a hemoglobin of 7.8 g/dL. The
nurse anticipates administering which medication?
A. Ferrous sulfate
B. Erythropoietin stimulating agent
C. Vitamin B12 injection
D. Folic acid
B
, RATIONALE: In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys produce less
erythropoietin, leading to anemia. Erythropoietin stimulating agents (e.g.,
epoetin alfa) replace this hormone and stimulate red blood cell
production. Iron supplements may be given if iron stores are low, but ESA is
the primary treatment for CKD anemia. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are not the
cause of anemia in CKD.
Question 2
During hemodialysis, a patient develops a headache, nausea, and
hypotension. The nurse suspects:
A. Air embolism
B. Disequilibrium syndrome
C. Hemolysis
D. Anaphylaxis
B
RATIONALE: Disequilibrium syndrome results from rapid fluid and
solute shifts during dialysis, causing cerebral edema. Symptoms include
headache, nausea, vomiting, and hypotension. It occurs more often during
initial dialysis treatments. Air embolism and hemolysis present differently;
anaphylaxis includes bronchospasm and urticaria.
Question 3
What is the primary function of insulin in the body?
A. To increase blood glucose levels
B. To facilitate glucose uptake into cells
C. To stimulate glycogen breakdown
D. To promote gluconeogenesis
B
, RATIONALE: Insulin facilitates glucose uptake into cells by binding to
insulin receptors on cell membranes, allowing glucose to enter and be used
for energy.
Question 4
A patient with type 1 diabetes reports shakiness, diaphoresis, and confusion.
The nurse should first:
A. Administer 50% dextrose IV push
B. Check blood glucose level
C. Give glucagon 1 mg IM
D. Offer orange juice
B
RATIONALE: The first action is to check the blood glucose level to
confirm hypoglycemia. Symptoms include shakiness, diaphoresis, and
confusion. After confirmation, treatment can be initiated based on the
patient's level of consciousness.
Question 5
What is the preferred site for insulin administration?
A. Abdomen
B. Thigh
C. Upper arm
D. Buttocks
A
RATIONALE: The abdomen is the preferred site for insulin administration
because it has the most consistent absorption rate.
